Multi-Category Plug-in Display Control for Consumer Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display control systems for consumer electronic devices can only associate plug-in items with a single category, leading to confusion when devices like hard disk recorders, capable of both recording and reproducing content, are categorized under 'External input' instead of 'Video', making it non-intuitive for users.
Innovation Solution
A display control apparatus and method that allows plug-ins to associate items with multiple categories, enabling devices connected via IEEE 1394 cables to be categorized based on their functionality, such as 'Video' for recording and reproducing devices and 'External input' for tuner devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plug-ins are restricted to displaying icons under only one category, then the system structure remains simple and easy to manage, but devices with multiple functions (e.g., hard disk recorders) cannot be intuitively categorized, leading to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in is designed to associate items with multiple categories simultaneously, allowing a single plug-in to serve multiple classification purposes. For example, a hard disk recorder plug-in can be associated with both the 'Video' category (for recording/reproducing functions) and the 'External input' category (for connection type), enabling users to access the device through either category based on their operational needs.
2Loss of information
If all external devices connected via IEEE 1394 are categorized under 'External input', then the connection method is clearly organized, but devices with video functions (e.g., hard disk recorders) are not easily distinguishable from other external inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different categorization qualities to different items within the same plug-in based on their specific functions. For instance, within a hard disk recorder plug-in, the recording and reproducing functions are associated with the 'Video' category, while the IEEE 1394 connection aspect is associated with the 'External input' category. This local differentiation allows users to access devices based on their specific operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
A display control apparatus is disclosed which includes: an application configured to display a plurality of first icons each representing a category; and a plurality of plug-ins each of which is assigned items represented by second icons; wherein one of the plurality of plug-ins associates the items assigned thereto with a plurality of categories; and wherein, if one of the categories represented by the first icons is selected and if the selected category is found associated with the items assigned to the one plug-in, then that one plug-in displays the second icons representing the items belonging to the selected category.